The Anatoly Karpov International School of Chess in Lindsborg, Kansas has appointed David Blair as the school's new executive director.Blair, comes with an impressive background of working with young players.Among those, he led his scholastic students in the Kansas City area to 12 Individual and 13 club (team) state/national scholastic chess championships over a five-year period. "David Blair brings a wealth of experience in working with students at all levels and teaching them skills to make them chess champions," said Marck R. Cobb, president of the International Chess Institute of the Midwest (ICIM).ICIM owns and operates the Karpov Chess School. Cobb went on to say, "David instills a love for the game of chess in his students that broadens their abilities as they take on life challenges."

Blair, who is a native of Pennsylvania, majored in mathematics at the Indiana University of Pennsylvania.He distinguished himself as a chess player, winning numerous championships.Several years ago, Blair moved to the Kansas City area where he taught chess and tutored students in math.

Blair, who is a certified U.S. Chess Federation Chess Coach, is excited about his new position. "One of my goals is to have over 200 students in McPherson County and to play chess at clubs, tournaments and schools by the end of the 2011-2012 school year," said Blair. "I will also attempt to set up weekly chess lessons for every community in the county."

The new executive director also has ambitious plans to raise funds for the school. "A primary responsibility of an executive director of a non-profit organizationmust beto raise funds for that organization, which includes seeking corporate sponsorship, private donations and grants," said Blair. "I will be doing this all summer and through the school years. I will knock on doors, make calls and complete the paperwork while promoting chess at the same time."

Blair will continue the chess school's ongoing relationship with local schools.He plans to teach chess online through Smoky Valley Virtual School in Lindsborg. "David will provide the opportunity for more schools in McPherson County to benefit from chess education and training to foster learning outside of the game itself," said Marck Cobb. "He knows how to set goals and get results."

David Blair replaces Tom Brownscombe as director.Brownscombe, who served as the school's director for the past five years, resigned to pursue other activities; however, he will work on special projects for the school.

Blair will be holding social chess sessions in Lindsborg and McPherson, Kansas.A list of dates and times will be posted on the Karpov Chess School's website:www.anatolykarpovchessschool.org